Noel Thomas David Gallagher (born 29 May 1967 in Longsight, Manchester) is an English musician best known as the former principal songwriter, lead guitarist, and occasional vocalist of English rock band Oasis (Oasis (band)). Raised with younger brother Liam Gallagher in Burnage, Manchester, Gallagher received guitar lessons from Dayle Robertson at the age of thirteen during a period of probation. After a series of odd jobs in construction, Gallagher joined local Manchester band the Inspiral Carpets as a roadie and guitar technician in 1988. Whilst touring with the Inspirial Carpets, he became aware that younger brother Liam had formed a band of his own, known as The Rain before eventually taking on the name Oasis. After Gallagher returned to England, he took lead from his brother and quickly asserted dominance over the band while writing songs that would later pave their creative direction.

Within a few years, with Oasiss early success due to their debut album, Definitely Maybe (1994), Gallagher assumed centre stage of the Britpop movement, during which Oasis continued to enjoy much critical and commercial success. This stage of the bands career was epitomised by the release of their second album (Whats the Story) Morning Glory? (1995) and a rivalry with fellow Britpop band Blur (Blur (band)). Since the demise of Britpop, Gallagher released four further studio albums with Oasis. On 28 August 2009, following an altercation with brother Liam prior to a gig in Paris, he left the band. On 23 October 2009, Noel Gallagher confirmed his intentions to undertake a solo career.